AUDIT OF INTENSIVE-CARE BURN PATIENTS - 1982-92

This study attempts to measure and quantify changes in workload and ou tcome in clinically ill burn patients admitted to the intensive care u nit at this institution over the 11-year period 1982-92. The case note s were studied For all patients admitted to the intensive care unit, 1 63 cases in total, but information was incomplete in 14. Mortality ove r the period is compared, using Chi squared analysis with Yates correc tion, with mortality probability from Bull's chart relating age and bo dy surface area of burn (2971). The trends show increasing admission r ates and referral rates to ICU from other hospitals in the region, des pite declining admission rates to the regional burn unit as a whole. T he duration of stay for admitted patients also shows an increase, the combination of these factors suggesting an increasing workload. There has been no change in outcome over the period. The Figures provide a b aseline for comparison of outcome in critically ill burn patients and are an important means by which to measure future change.